Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The Grand Ole Opry has posted the line-ups for this week's Opry shows. This will be the final weekend at the Grand Ole Opry House for this year as starting next week, the Opry moves to the Ryman Auditorium for its annual winter run, which will last through January.There is some interesting booking this weekend regarding a number of the Opry's guest artists who are scheduled. Scheduled both nights are frequent Opry guests Jimmy Wayne and The Willis Clan. Joining them on Friday night will be Elizabeth Cook and Jim Lauderdale, while Chris Janson and Collin Raye are set for Saturday night. On the other hand, there are a couple of acts who will be making their Opry debut. On Friday night, Rayland Baxter is scheduled. Rayland is considered a Nashville roots artist and let's just say he is not traditional country. Saturday night will feature Opry newcomer, who is described as a modern Wanda Jackson. As far as Opry members this weekend, Vince Gill is scheduled, as are Riders In The Sky, who have been touring for most of the month of October. Also set again for both shows this weekend is Mike Snider. You still have to wonder about Mike as he was missing for 9 months and now for the last month has not missed a weekend. Friday October 317:00: John Conlee (host); Elizabeth Cook; Mike Snider7:30: Jeannie Seely (host); Jim LauderdaleIntermission8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Jimmy Wayne8:45: Vince Gill (host); Rayland Baxter; The Willis ClanSaturday November 17:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Chris Janson; (Jimmy Dickens?)7:30: John Conlee (host); Nikki Lane; Mike SniderIntermission8:15: Riders In The Sky (host); Jesse McReynolds; Jimmy Wayne; Opry Square Dancers8:45: Connie Smith (host); Collin Raye; The Willis ClanAnd now, here is the posted Grand Ole Opry line-up from 5 years ago, the weekend of October 30 & 31, 2009:Friday October 307:00: Riders In The Sky (host); The Whites; Jean Shepard; Sunny Sweeney7:30: Jimmy Dickens (host); Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press; Doyle Dykes8:00: Mike Snider (host); Jan Howard; Jim Ed Brown; David Nail8:30: Vince Gill (host); Connie Smith; Keith UrbanSaturday October 317:00: Jimmy Dickens (host); Jimmy C Newman; Jim Lauderdale7:30: Mike Snider (host); Jean Shepard; Jim Ed Brown; Restless Heart8:00: Jeannie Seely (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Doyle Dykes8:30: Riders In The Sky (host); Connie Smith; Blake SheltonInteresting to see 2 future Opry members closing the show on Friday and Saturday. Now from 10 years ago, October 29 & 30, 2004:Friday October 297:30: Porter Wagoner (host); Connie Smith; IIIrd Tyme Out8:00: John Conlee (host); Stu Phillips; Osborne Brothers; Lane Turner8:30: Jimmy C Newman (host); BR549; Rebecca Lynn Howard9:00: Bill Anderson (host); Eddy Raven; Rhonda Vincent9:30: Jean Shepard (host); Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys; Restless HeartSaturday October 301st show6:30: Jean Shepard (host); The Whites; Jimmy C Newman7:00: John Conlee (host); Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Jamie O'Neal; IIIrd Tyme Out; Crystal Gayle8:00: Porter Wagoner (host); George Hamilton IV; Billy Walker; Rebecca Lynn Howard; Opry Square Dancers8:30: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; B.J. Thomas2nd show9:30: John Conlee (host); Osborne Brothers; Crystal Gayle10:00: Porter Wagoner (host); Jan Howard; The Whites; Carolyn Dawn Johnson10:30: Jean Shepard (host); Charlie Louvin; IIIrd Tyme Out; Opry Square Dancers11:00: Bill Anderson (host); Connie Smith; Jamie O'Neal11:30: George Hamilton IV (host); Billy Walker; Jeannie Seely; B.J. ThomasFor this week's feature line-ups, I have 2. The first is from Saturday November 2, 1963 which is the night that the Opry celebrated it's 38th birthday. (Interesting how the birthday date has moved around from year-to-year). As you would expect, it was a pretty solid show, especially in the era when Opry acts had to appear 26 Saturday nights through the year. Here is the Opry line-up from 51 years ago, November 2, 1963:6:30: Rudy'sJimmy Newman (host): The MoverKitty Wells: Heartaches For A KeepsakeJohnny Wright: O Baby Mine, I Get So LonelyStringbean: There Will Be Moonshine In Them Old Kentucky HillsBobby Lord: Out Behind the BarnCurly Fox: The Old Gray MuleKitty Wells: I Gave My Wedding Dress AwayJimmy Newman: D.J. For A Day7:00: DelitedPorter Wagoner (host): I've Enjoyed As Much of This As I Can StandRoy Drusky: Peel Me A NannerCarl Butler: Don't Let Me Cross OverMelba Montgomery: What's Bad For You Is Good For MeBill Carlisle: No Help WantedBilly Walker: The Morning PaperGeorge Hamilton IV: AbilenePorter Wagoner: In The Shadow of the Wine7:30: Kellogg'sGeorge Morgan (host): Alright, I'll Sign the PapersMarion Worth: (?)Hank Locklin: Send Me the Pillow You Dream OnWillis Brothers: Private LeeBill Anderson: StillDel Wood: Piano Roll BluesTex Ritter: Boll WeevilSquare Dancers: Soap Suds Over the FenceGeorge Morgan: One Dozen Roses8:00: Martha WhiteFlatt & Scruggs (host): New York TownFerlin Husky: GoneLoretta Lynn: Before I'm Over YouArchie Campbell: ComedyFlatt & Scruggs: Mama Don't Allow ItBilly Grammer: (?)Louvin Brothers: (?)Crook Brothers: LafayetteFlatt & Scruggs: Flint Hill Special8:30: StephensRoy Acuff (host): Wabash CannonballBill Monroe: John HenryRay Price: San Antonio RoseMinnie Pearl: ComedySonny James: Going Through the MotionsLonzo & Oscar: There's A Hole In the Bottom of the SeaSkeeter Davis: The End of the WorldOswald: Roll On, Buddy, Roll OnRoy Acuff: I'll Fly Away9:00: Jefferson Island SaltErnest Tubb (host): Thanks A LotWilburn Brothers: (?)Johnny Cash: (?)Stringbean: Pretty PollyJune Carter & The Carters: (?)Fruit Jar Drinkers: Soldiers JoyMargie Bowes: Our ThingsErnest Tubb: The Way You're Living9:30: Pet MilkHank Snow (host): Ninety Miles An Hour Down A Dead End StreetThe Browns: The Three BellsFaron Young: Yellow BandanaJean Shepard: (?)Porter Wagoner: Your Old Love LettersLeroy Van Dyke: Happy to Be UnhappyWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: There's A Big WheelStonewall Jackson: B.J. the D.J.Hank Snow: Blue Roses10:00: Gates RubberBilly Grammer (host): (?)Bobby Lord: Life Can Have MeaningCurly Fox: T. Model and A TrainBilly Walker: Heart, Be CarefulBilly Grammer: (?)10:15: LuzianneRoy Acuff (host): The Great Speckled BirdDel Wood: Columbus Stockade BluesJimmy Newman: D.J. For a DayRoy Acuff: Wreck on the HighwayHowdy Forrester & Jimmy Riddle: Apple Blossoms10:30: Harvey'sFerlin Husky (host): Wings Of A DoveLouvin Brothers: (?)Tex Ritter: (?)Simon Crum: (?)10:45: FordFaron Young (host): (?)George Morgan: You're the Only Good ThingBill Anderson: Eight By TenCrook Brothers: Black Mountain RagFaron Young: (?)11:00: Coca-ColaHank Snow (host): I've Been EverywhereSkeeter Davis: Something PreciousRoy Drusky: Second Hand RoseThe Browns: Oh, NoLonzo & Oscar: Hand HoldingWilma Lee & Stoney Cooper: Gloryland MarchSam & Kirk McGee: Let's Meet By the Old Oaken BucketFruit Jar Drinkers: Love SomebodyHank Snow: There's A Fool Such As I11:30: SSS TonicMarty Robbins (host): Devil WomanBill Monroe: Blue Moon of KentuckyHank Locklin: Flying SouthWilburn Brothers: (?)Stonewall Jackson: Wild, Wild WindMargie Bowes: Judge NotSonny James: The Minute You're GoneMarty Robbins: Don't WorryWow!! That is what I call one of a kind Opry show. Yes, it did start at 6:00 (the Opry normally started at 7:30) and it was one show until midnight-6 hours long!!26 of the acts did 2 spots (If I count right),while Kitty Wells, Johnny Wright, Carl Butler, George Hamilton IV, Marion Worth, Willis Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs; Loretta Lynn, Archie Campbell, Ray Price, Minnie Pearl, Ernest Tubb, The Carters, Jean Shepard, Leroy Van Dyke and Marty Robbins did just 1. That come to 16, for a total of 42 acts. Add on Kirk & Sam McGee, The Crook Brothers and the Fruit Jar Drinkers, and it is pretty loaded up. Oh, I forgot Tex Ritter, who at this point was not an Opry member yet, and Johnny Cash, who by this time had given up his Opry membership, and what a show!! Need I say that it was just a bit better than this year's birthday bash?For the final line-up for this week, I have Saturday October 31, 1992. This was the final show that Roy Acuff appeared on the posted Opry line-up. While he was on the schedule, Roy did not appear on the Opry this night. His final Saturday night was 2 weeks prior, during the Opry's birthday show. Friday October 23 was his final Opry appearance. While he was scheduled for Saturday October 24, but did not appear as he was taking a nap and his family made the decision not to wake him. He tried to give it a go the following weekend, but he could not as by the time Saturday night came, he was a patient in Baptist Hospital. He was never again listed on the Opry schedule.Here is the running order of the Opry from 22 years ago, Saturday October 31, 1992: 1st show6:30: GHS StringsBill Anderson (host): Son of the SouthJeanne Pruett: Satin SheetsBill Anderson: Po' Folks6:45: Country Music Hall of FameBill Monroe (host): Mule Skinner BluesJim Ed Brown: Scarlet RibbonsRay Pillow: That Ain't No Way to Treat My HeartBill Monroe: I've Found A Hiding Place7:00: Shoney'sPorter Wagoner (host): On A Highway Headed SouthConnie Smith: I've Never Once Stop Loving YouCharlie Louvin: Must You Throw Dirt In My FaceJimmy Dickens: May the Bird of Paradise Fly Up Your NoseOsborne Brothers: Rank Strangers7:30: Standard CandyJimmy C Newman (host): La Cajun BandRiders In The Sky: Ghost Heard in the SkyJohnny Russell: Red Neck, White Socks and Blue Ribbon BeerAlison Krauss: (?)/I'll Never Stand In Your WayJimmy C Newman: Texa-Cajun/Jambalaya8:00: Martha WhiteGrandpa Jones (host): Banjo SamJerry Ford: The Cottage in the CountryOswald: The End of the WorldGeorge Hamilton IV: AbileneRoy Drusky: AlwaysOpry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: LibertyGrandpa Jones: It's Raining Here This Morning8:30: KraftHank Snow (host): Between Fire and WaterDel Reeves: Two Dollars in the Jukebox/A Dime At A Time/Looking At the World Through A WindshieldThe Whites: I Just Steal Away and Pray4 Guys: Big RiverJack Greene: Every Since My Baby Went AwayHank Snow: Mary Ann Regrets2nd show9:30: Dollar GeneralPorter Wagoner (host): Ol' SlewfootSkeeter Davis: I Ain't NeverRoy Drusky: Take Good Care of HerBilly Walker: Behind Closed DoorsAlison Krauss: (?)/ Clinch Mountain BackstepPorter Wagoner: Big Wind10:00: Little DebbieBill Monroe (host): Kentucky MandolinMike Snider: (?)Bill Monroe: Tall Pines10:15: Sunbeam/Tennessee PrideStonewall Jackson (host): Don't Be AngryGeorge Hamilton IV: I Saw the Light/I'll Fly AwayStonewall Jackson: Muddy Water10:30: Pet, Inc.Grandpa Jones (host): Kitty KlydeCharlie Louvin & Charlie Whitstein: When I Stop DreamingBill Carlisle: No Help WantedGrandpa Jones: Dear Old Sunny South By the Sea10:45: B.C. PowderBill Anderson (host): How Married Are You Mary AnnJeannie Seely: Why Doesn't He Just Leave Me AloneOpry Square Dance Band/Melvin Sloan Dancers: Sally GoodinBill Anderson: Golden Guitar11:00: Coca-ColaHank Snow (host): Big Wheels A'Turnin' Going SomewhereCharlie Walker: Right or WrongJustin Tubb: Travelin' Singing ManOsborne Brothers: Nobody's Darling But MineRiders In The Sky: The Honey Baby SongHank Snow: These Things Shall Pass11:30: CreamettesJack Greene (host): Try A Little KindnessJean Shepard: I Don't See How I Can Make It With You GoneJim Ed Brown: The 3 BellsThe Whites: San Antonio RoseJohnny Russell: No One Will Ever KnowJack Greene: All The TimeRoy Acuff was scheduled to host the 8:00 and 10:15 Opry segments that night. This was also the final show that Pet sponsored the 10:30 segment with Randy Travis Enterprises taking over the following week. Finally, here is the line-up for the Tuesday Night Opry, November 4: 7:00: Riders In The Sky; Casey James7:30: The Black Lillies; Darius RuckerIntermission8:15: Connie Smith; Kristian Bush8:45: Rhonda Vincent; Mo PitneyEnjoy the Opry this weekend!!!

Saturday, October 25, 2014

I recently received word that former Grand Ole Opry member Little Jimmie Sizemore passed away on October 14, at the age of 86.James L. Sizemore was born in Paintsville, Kentucky on January 29, 1928. He was the son of Asher Sizemore, who was a singer but more importantly, one of the great country music promotors of his time. Jimmie (or in some cases spelled Jimmy) came to the Grand Ole Opry with his father in 1932, at the age of 5. They were a very popular duo, thanks in part to Asher's great promotional skills. In 1933, Asher would say many times that Little Jimmie knew over 200 songs. Among those songs were "The Booger Bear", "Has Anybody Seen My Kitty?", and "Little Feet." His best selling record was "Little Jimmy's Goodbye to Jimmie Rodgers", recorded in 1934. One of his best known by most fans was "My Little Rooster".After coming to the Opry in 1933, they split their time between WSM and WHAS in Louisville, Kentucky. They also had a fifteen minute transcription program that was distributed thoughout the Midwest. The shows were very profitable as Asher hawked paperback songbooks on each program; he was among the first country performers to use this method to raise additional income. Asher also worked to have songs he owned or published recorded by other acts. The Sizemores also had a program on the NBC Network for a short period of time, becoming one of the first Opry acts to have a national program. They left they Opry in 1942, but continued to perform and work throughout the Midwest. They had programs on radio stations in Waterloo, Iowa, Des Moines, St. Louis and Atlanta, in addition to their program in Louisville. Jimmy served in the Korean War, after which he settled in Arkansas with his father, who died in 1975. Jimmy served as an executive with a Jacksonville, Arkansas radio station, and then moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma. Jimmie continued to perform at country music shows throughout the Midwest, and was still performing as recent as several years ago. Asher and Little Jimmie's first Opry appearance was on September 24, 1932. It was said by many that Asher and Little Jimmie are the best-remembered figures from the 1930s show. After joining the Opry, they were on almost every week in 1933, about three months in 1934 and from January to April in 1935. After a series of appearances on the NBC Network, they were back on the Opry for eight weeks in 1936 and 1937, and for about four months in 1939. After that, they appearances decreased until they left the show. Little Jimmie is one of the Opry's forgotten members. I did a quick check of the Opry's annual reunion shows, sometimes called Old-Timer's Night, and I don't see Little Jimmie listed on any of the shows. I had heard that he did come back to visit the Opry in the 1970s, but I don't have the date handy. Either way, he would have been the last Opry performer alive from the 1930s. I listed to the Opry for the past several weekends, and from what I could hear, there has been no mention of Little Jimmie's passing. No show dedication and no announcement. I know it had been 70 years since he left the Opry, but I still think a mention sould have been made. And to be honest, he should have been asked back for a performance in his later years. Another of the Opry's early stars, Little Jimmie Sizemore.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

The Grand Ole Opry celebrated it's 89th anniversary this past weekend and I was in Nashville for all 4 shows, 2 each for the Friday Night Opry and Saturday's Grand Ole Opry. It was a fun weekend and it was fun seeing several of those who follow and comment on the blog. Always a joy to put a face to a name. After seeing the shows this past weekend, I guess the best I can say is, don't give up on the Opry yet. They promise that the 90th will be better. Let's hope that is the case as this past weekend continued the trend of seeing the quality and quantity of the birthday weekends continue to deteriorate. I can remember when the birthday weekends featured many of the Opry's members, but this year, only 4 members were there on Friday night, while 5 made it to the Opry House on Saturday. Commenting on those Opry members who were there, it was nice to see Jimmy Dickens on both shows Saturday night. Jimmy looked and sounded pretty good. He told a few jokes and sang, "Mountain Dew" on both shows. The fact that he stayed for both shows impressed me. He received a standing ovation on each show. Many have already commented on Stu Phillips. Yes, during the first show, he sounded as bad in the Opry House as he apparently did on the radio. But to his credit, he came right out to the front of the stage and carried on. I was actually surprised that he made it out for the 2nd show, but I am glad that he did as he sounded much better. And for those who were not there, Stu looked in good health. Jan Howard, Jeannie Seely and Ray Pillow did their usual good jobs, and Ray handled the hosting duties just fine. On a personal note, I do wish that the hosts would not say that they haven't seen or met the act before that they are introducing. Ray, along with Mike Snider, made that comment on both shows and to me it just shows that they are a little out of touch with some of today's younger talent. Even if they do not know who the acts are, I just don't think they should admit it to a full Opry House and a national radio audience.Mike Snider made it back to the Opry for the first time this year and hosted the opening segment on all 4 shows. On Friday, he stayed pretty much on the script, in fact reading off a sheet of paper the introduction of each of his guests, as he did with 2 of his new band members. On Saturday, he opened up a little more and during the 2nd show he made a few comments about Jimmy Dickens after Jimmy was done with his song. Bill Anderson hosted on both shows Friday Night and handled the birthday cake. As always, Bill was on top of his game. I also thought that the Opry made the right move by having Bill stay around for the final segment and handle the introduction of Lady Antebellum, who was the featured act that night. While not Opry members, Lady Antebellum did a fantastic job and even participated in with the birthday cake, as did Jan Howard and The Willis Clan. The final Opry member who appeared on Saturday night was Trace Adkins. Trace did a number of his hits and had good interplay with the audience. He had his full show band with him. Trace handled the birthday cake on Saturday, and let's just say I have heard better versions of "Happy Birthday." Nobody on Saturday night came out to join him. Trace did treat the final segment like a mini-concert which the younger fans in the audience seemed to enjoy but the 2nd Opry show on Saturday actually ended about 10 minutes early. I know we used to hear Opry shows running over, but one actually running short, I can't really say. That was a first for me. Also scheduled was Opry member John Conlee. John cancelled out Saturday morning to play a date in Texas, filling in for a show that Merle Haggard was unable to make. Either the Opry could not find anyone to replace John, or no effort was made. Whatever the process was, with so few scheduled on the Opry that night, it left a pretty big hole in the schedule and forced Bill Cody to handle the introductions during the final hour of the show. I already mentioned Lady Antebellum, and in addition to that super group, the guest artists on Friday included Chris Janson, Josh Abbott Band, John & Jacob, Sara Haze and The Willis Clan. I was not impressed with Josh Abbott or Sara Haze. They did their songs and received polite applause from the audience. Chris Janson, who I have made my own feelings about known, did an awesome job. He is full of energy and makes no secret of his feelings regarding his family, and his belief in God. The audience loves him and I am sure he will be a success in the industry. I was impressed with John & Jacob, and yes, that was a trumpet you heard. Finally, there was The Willis Clan. I saw them the first time they did the Opry and I was impressed then and still am. They were on "America's Got Talent" and did a nice job. The family is fun to watch and they are all talented. On Saturday, the guests included JT Hodges, Greg Bates, Claire Bowen and Keb Mo. JT and Greg are what they are, younger male singers looking for the big career break, although Greg has had a top 5 hit. Claire is from "Nashville" and she was full of energy. She had her brother out doing a song with her. I don't know if anyone else got that feeling, but she reminded me of Skeeter Davis in the way she dressed and in her movements on the stage, with the long dress on. Finally, there was Keb Mo. He did 3 songs on each show and did a nice job, but you could tell most of the Opry audience wondered who he was and were asking themselves, why was he there. Good song selections and certainly nothing to offend the Opry audience, and he did receive good applause. The other thing of interest is that on Saturday night, about half of the Opry Staff Band was missing. I know where Jimmy Capps was, but not sure where everyone else was off to. As far as the attendance, both of the early shows were sold-out. There were very few empty seats for the 2nd show on Friday, while there were seats in the upper balcony available for the 2nd show Saturday. As always, they survey the audience before the show, and I would say at least half were at the Opry for the first time. I did hear several comments that the Opry was working very hard already to make the 90th birthday celebration next year a big one. They have already confirmed that there will be 2 shows on Friday and Saturday and I do hope that they come through. When you think of milestone years, 90 is big. And when you think in terms of the Opry's 100th and who might or might not be around, you can understand the effort for next year. Finally, a couple of interesting comments that Bill Cody made on Saturday night. Bill was doing the announcing for both shows, with Mike Terry absent. First, he kept referring to October 5, 1925 as the date the Opry first started, growing from the Uncle Jimmy Thompson appearance, to the WSM Barn Dance, to the Grand Ole Opry. As we all know, Uncle Jimmy's appearance took place on November 28, 1925. I am not sure if Bill was confused as the October date was when WSM went on the air. The 2nd error came when he introduced the square dancers on the 2nd show, which tied into the Uncle Jimmy Thompson reference. From all reports, the first song played by Uncle Jimmy on the Opry was "Tennessee Wagoner." When introducing the square dancers, Bill said they were going to dance to the first fiddle tune played on the Opry, "Billy in the Lowground." Just a small error. As far as the Opry House itself, nothing new to report. It is still in good shape and nothing new has been added. They do make sure that if someone comes down for a photo that they take their picture and immediately head back to their seat. Nobody is allowed to hang around in front of the stage. While not up to par to previous birthday shows, as always, I did enjoy my time in Nashville and at the Opry. It was loud and fast paced, but still a good show. And yes, I will be back at the 90th, and certainly a few more shows before then.

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About Me

I am a nationally recognized independent historian of the Grand Ole Opry. In addition to being the publisher and writer of Fayfare's Opry Blog, I have also researched Opry information for numerous authors and interested Opry fans. A resident of Canton, Ohio, I have attended hundreds of Grand Ole Opry shows since my first visit to Nashville in 1973. I can be contacted via email at bfay54@gmail.com